Ongoing alert ! Risks associated with imported material
Imported plants, cuttings, flowers, fruit and vegetables
can carry pests and diseases. There is a risk, given the right circumstances,
that these pests and diseases could move onto plants. It is very important
to keep imported material well away from growing plants, particularly
in protected cropping, where there is a risk of pests and disease requiring
warmer conditions becoming established. Imported material is strongly
suspected as the cause of several recent outbreaks of pests and diseases
in protected cropping.
So, keep material brought in for packing or processing in a separate building,
or at least in a separate room. Ensure good hygiene, especially for staff
moving from areas in which imported material is handled into crop production
areas. Inspect imported plants and cuttings carefully for signs of pests
and disease and contact your local Plant Health and
Seeds Inspector if you suspect the presence of a quarantine pest or
disease.
Waste from imported material must also be handled carefully. Consult Defra’s
‘Code of Practice for the Management
of Agricultural and Horticultural Waste’ available from:
Defra Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX, Tel: 08459 556000 or
+44 20 8694 8862 outside the UK.
Email : defra@cambertown.com
Page last modified:
3 Nov 2006
Page published: 21 Jul 2003